Using Multiple Windows

Using Multiple Windows

What We'll Learn

• 1. Observe how multiple Windows behave

  2. Play with the Calculator program

Windows Together

When working with more than one program or Window, it's important to understand some of the rules:

• • Windows stack on top of each other, and can hide smaller windows behind them, especially when maximized.

  • Only one window can be active, or have the focus at any time. The Title Bar on the active window is usally darker.

  • The active window always flips to the top of the stack.

Exercise 1 - Two Windows

Open a Calculator and a Notepad Window:

• 1. Click Start

1. Start typing the word calculator, click Calculator as soon as it appears in the menu above.

   1. Use the same steps above to open a Notepad window.

You should have two Windows on your screen. Do the following exercises:

• • Move the Windows around by dragging the Title Bar and see how they overlap.

  • Alternately click on each window and notice how it becomes active, in focus, and the other window is dimmer

  • Also take note of the corresponding icon or button on the Taskbar and how it dims when not in focus

  • Overlap the windows and click on the window at the back. Notice how it comes to the top.

  • Maximize the Notepad window and notice how it fills the screen, hiding the calculator completely.

  • Minimize the Notepad, notice how it is just showing in the taskbar, then bring it back.

  • Click the Restore button on Notepad to return it to its previous size

Exercise 2 - Playing with the Calculator

While we have the Calculator running, let's explore this program. For calculations on a computer use the following keys:

• • Division / (Right Slash)

  • Multiplication * (Asterisk)

  • Subtraction - (Hyphen)

  • Addition + (Plus Sign)

Try the following:

• • Use your mouse to try some calculations.

  • Use your keyboard to try some calculations.

  • Try out the options on the View menu

  • Look at the Help information. Notice it starts up a new Window. Close it when you are finished.

More Practice?

If you want some more practice, review these helpful tutorials from Microsoft:

• Working with Windows

• Using Menus and Buttons

Next

• Selecting Text

• Microsoft Windows Basics Overview

• Main Tutorials Page